Simba Head Coach Steve Barker has offered a reassuring update on Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber, confirming that the Kenyan attacker is back in full training after yet another frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Bajaber’s move to Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club at the start of the current season was one of the most talked-about transfers involving a Kenyan player in recent times.
The former Nairobi City Stars forward joined the Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Kenya Police FC, the reigning SportPesa League champions, after playing a pivotal role in guiding Police to their historic first league title.
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Expectations were high. However, Bajaber’s stint in Dar es Salaam got off to a difficult start. He arrived carrying an injury that had already ruled him out of the Harambee Stars CHAN squad.
Simba opted to bring him in early to closely manage his recovery process, but the setback kept him out of competitive action for more than five months.
When he finally made his long-awaited debut, it could not have been scripted better. Bajaber announced his arrival in style, scoring with his first touch after coming on as a late substitute in Simba’s 3-0 win over Mbeya City on December 12.
That moment sparked hope that he was ready to kick on and cement his place in the team. He also featured briefly in the Mapinduzi Cup, showing flashes of the quality that made him one of Kenya’s brightest attacking prospects.
Yet just as momentum seemed to be building, fate intervened again. With the league resuming, Bajaber found himself back on the bench for two matches before the competition went on a short break.
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Upon its return, new Simba coach Steve Barker handed him his first start against Mtibwa Sugar. But the opportunity lasted only 12 minutes as he was forced off with another injury setback that kept him out for more than four weeks.
Coach Barker reassures Simba fans over Mohammed Bajaber’s future
Now, there is renewed optimism.
Providing an update on the player’s condition, Barker said: “He is fine now, he is training again, he has been in full training. He was about two to three weeks out but he is back in training fully.”
The South African tactician also moved to calm speculation about whether Bajaber still features in his long-term plans after such a stop-start beginning.
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“Mohammed is a good player and good players will always be in our plans,” he added.
For Simba supporters and Harambee Stars fans alike, the hope is simple; that Bajaber can finally put his injury woes behind him and enjoy a sustained run of fitness.
If he does, there is little doubt that the talented forward has the ability to make a significant impact both at club level and on the international stage.